October 2026 Comm Convo: The Comms Risk Recalculation

Ethan Lovell is a biotechnology investor relations professional and former institutional investor with three decades of experience spanning biopharmaceutical equity research, portfolio management, corporate communications, and capital markets strategy. Most recently, Ethan served as Senior Director of Investor Relations at Avidity Biosciences, which was acquired by Novartis. Previously, Ethan served as Head of Investor Relations at Theravance Biopharma and Chief External Affairs & Communications Officer at Agenus.

Before his career in investor relations, Ethan spent more than two decades on Wall Street, including 12 years at Janus Henderson Investors as a healthcare analyst and portfolio manager, where he co-managed the $10 billion Global Life Sciences strategy. He also held investment positions at ClearBridge Investments, Saranac Capital Management, and Bear Stearns. Ethan combines experience in corporate communications and investor relations with firsthand knowledge of how institutional investors evaluate companies, allocate capital and manage risk.

He holds an MBA from Tulane University, an MA from the University of Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bowdoin College.

Chrissy Trank is a strategic healthcare communications leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning oncology, hematology, vaccines, R&D and commercial communications. As Senior Director, Oncology Drug Development Communications at Bristol Myers Squibb, she leads worldwide communications for the oncology and hematology clinical-development pipeline, shaping portfolio and data narratives and leading integrated communications for major medical congresses.

Previously, Chrissy held senior communications roles at Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb, leading communications for major product launches, scientific and regulatory milestones, disease- awareness initiatives and executive thought leadership. She began her career at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, where she held roles in public relations and practice development. She holds an MBA in Marketing from Drexel University and a BA in English/Professional Writing from Elizabethtown College. She also proudly holds a seat on the Elizabethtown College Alumni Council.

Outside of work, Chrissy is proud (and loud!) football mom, animal rescuer and aspiring pickleballer.